Advancing the Kingdom on our knees

 

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on August 28th 2022  by Lasya. For the audio & video please click here.  

Advancing the kingdom on our knees

2 Timothy 2:2 “ what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”

So today I’m here to talk to us about a message that we have been entrusted with as a leadership team at the RB Leadership conference so that we all can walk it out together.

Last Sunday, Navaz shared with us about the Kingdom of God and how kingdom advance cannot happen with just one of two playing their roles. We need the whole body activated and engaged.

WAR

Consider the times we are in. We are in a new era. That means new doors opening, new wine, new cloth, and there is a drastic shift in the spiritual atmosphere. We have also experienced a new level of hostility against Christians. We can’t have a peacetime mentality. 

2 Timothy 2:3-4 “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”

During the pandemic, we thought we were living in peacetime. Each one of you is a chosen soldier dropped behind enemy lines, placed in this evil world to shine the light of Jesus. Jesus expects his church to be at war. 

Matt 16: 18 “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Yes, Jesus will build his church but the context of that statement is war. There is a battle going on.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”  

So we know we are in a war but we need to learn and be trained in the weapons of our warfare so we don’t injure the wrong persons.

Mike spoke about 3 things that are essential as we engage in this battle and that is humility, authority and power. It’s the work of Jesus Christ in us, over us and through us. And since the kingdom of God is so upside down, I entitled this message, advancing the kingdom on our knees.

HUMILITY

The most powerful leaders are the humblest leaders like Jesus.

Eph 4: 1 “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you’ve received. Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love. 

Every time the Bible urges us to follow the example of Christ, it is in the context of humility.

John 13: 14-15 “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”

1 Peter 2:19-21 “For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”

Philippians 2:3-5 “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,”

Character always trumps gifting. God wants us to be more like Jesus. Saul was physically and spiritually gifted. When Samuel confronted him, instead of being concerned with what God thinks, he was concerned with what people think. Then God tells Samuel, that people look at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. David was also naturally gifted and supernaturally gifted. But he also had character flaws. When he was confronted by Nathan, his reaction was so different from Saul’s reaction. He fasts and mourns for his sin. He repented before God. It’s not a problem that we mess up and make mistakes because we will. But how do we respond to God after we make a mistake? Do we submit to God, do we come before him and let him teach us? How can we grow in humility?

1. Be clear about our identity in Christ. We have to be secure about who we are. We are chosen sons and daughters of God. When our security is in people we will live in pride.
2. Humility doesn’t mean we don’t lead. Not stepping into what God has given you can be pride. Stepping out in faith is humility. We have to be careful that we don’t fall into false humility.
3. Use difficulty- our pride often comes up when we are in difficult situations. When things are hard, we find our pride can easily rise to the surface. We need to use difficulty to grow. Instead of saying get me out of here, ask what are you teaching me in this situation?
4. Develop an attitude of thankfulness. When we are thankful our pride is reduced. We need to express our thankfulness to God and to one another.
5. Function in the gifting you have regardless of the role you’re in. You can lead all the time in every situation. That will help us to not rely on a position. So we will not be puffed up when you do get a position.
6. Accept praise graciously and authentically.
7. Stay open and transparent with God. Ask him to search our hearts. If we stay in intimacy with God, we will remain humble. Let intimacy be the measure of your success.
8. Pray and ask for the fruit of the spirit. All the fruit has to do with our character. We can ask God to give us that fruit.

AUTHORITY

There is an important part of stepping out in God's power and that is to understand authority. Firstly, Jesus has authority. Matthew 7:28- 29 “ And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.”

Matthew 8: 8-10 “But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he marvelled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel  have I found such faith.”

If our lives are truly submitted to god, then our lives should only make sense because of God. Our lives must be fully submitted to God. Then we are submitted to those around us. There is a right submission to each other that is not controlling or manipulating but released. We’re accountable to one another.  

Craig Groeschel “The greatest leaders don’t delegate tasks but they delegate authority.”

Matthew 10:1 “And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.”

How do we respond to authority?

1. We submit

James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Ephesians 5: 21 “submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” 

2. We use the authority:

Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

POWER

The church is called to be a people of power. John Wimber’s experience of the church. We don’t just want to talk about the things of God, we need to walk in step with the spirit. We can still have plans but the plans also must be in step with the spirit.

Jesus’ entire ministry was about declaring the kingdom has come. He preached it and he demonstrated it. Today we need to do this by the holy spirit's power. 

Luke 24:49 “And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” 

Some of these battles can be subtle and undercover. But more and more we need to see the demonstration of God's power. We need a visible and practical demonstration that Jesus is more powerful than the idols that are worshipped.

The power we have as Christ’s church:

1. Power to love. The love of God brings breakthroughs.
2. The power to hope: Romans 15:30 - may the God of hope fill you with all joy … church should be overflowing with hope and joy because of the Holy Spirit. It is supernatural and attractive.
3. The power to sacrifice: Paul tells us that God's power is made perfect in weakness. The holy spirit takes that and turns it into an incredible strength. When we are weak then we are strong.
4. The power to endure
5. The power to perform miracles, signs and wonders.
6. The power to grow in spiritual gifts.
7. The power to make known God's manifold wisdom
8. The power for unity. The Holy Spirit binds us together.
9. The power and authority to preach the gospel. Matthew 28:18-20. 1 Thessalonians - gospel coming not just with words but with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.
10. The power and authority to dispel the demonic. The demonic is no match for God's power.
11. Power in prayer to change situations: as we pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, things change.

Yes, we are in a war but Jesus is the prince of peace. 

Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is a part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.  

Book Release - Know Grow Show - Discovering your intimacy, identity and destiny in Jesus through John 15

 

We are excited to announce our first book release.

It gives us great joy to announce the release of Navaz DCruz’s first book titled “Know Grow Show”, a devotional based on John 15.

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4

Change of cosmic proportions was standing on the cusp of history. Jesus knew that what He said in these last hours would be critical to the survival of His ragtag crew. It was crucial for them to understand their identity, destiny, and the way they could get there was by staying in intimate connection with Him.

John 15 is a part of the last conversation Jesus has with His disciples. It is one of the most challenging passages of scripture that takes us into the heart of what  He wants for each of us. Jesus wants us to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him. It is only from that place that we can love others as Jesus does and go on to produce lasting fruit.

This book is about discovering your intimacy, identity, and destiny in Jesus through John 15. 
We cannot produce lasting fruit without abiding in Jesus. We all produce fruit in our lives, by design or default. To produce fruit that will last into eternity takes intentionality. It comes from a delightful abiding in Jesus' presence that transforms us from the inside out. 

Two things are required of us as Christ followers: to love God and love people. Neither can truly happen without the other. This devotional helps us to journey into our own hearts and into the heart of God.

To order a copy of the book click here 📘

To order on Amazon or Kindle click here 

Possessing Promises and Taking Steps of Faith

This message was preached by Nigel P, at the Regions Beyond  Advance conference in August 2022.

 POSSESSING PROMISES AND TAKING STEPS OF FAITH

We have heard a lot about the New Era and getting into big boats. The church cannot be like before – it needs an adjustment. The Kingdom of God will move forward based on the steps we take.

Jesus also introduced a New Era where the Kingdom of God was taken from the Jews and given to the church which will produce fruit.

The disciples would possess the Abrahamic promise. Jesus gave them the mandate to go and make disciples and raise the dead. And He gave them a promise that He will be with them.

In the book of Acts, 3000 get saved and then daily people are added to them.

In this New Era, it is about possessing the promises and we must believe that today.

 

However, there is one key thing – it cannot be done with our faith. The Promises are way beyond where we are.

 

FAITH – HEB 11

The book of Hebrews urges Christians to grow in maturity. The book was written in AD65 – it was a different picture now. Christianity had fallen to something less – less than possessing the promises.

The writer speaks that Jesus is better and superior to anything in the Old Testament. And yet the writer refers to the Old Testament people to stir faith in the New Testament – to show how some of them possessed things by faith.

 

Heb 11:1 When people in the Old Testament could do this how much more we. Noah – God spoke to him about a judgement coming. It took many years to build the Ark but he believed what God said would bring salvation. In the same way, we build the church because we know that it is the doorway to salvation. Noah took risks.

Abraham was told to go, and he went and in that decision was the making of a people. He never possessed it but he lived like he did!

When God calls, we possess something and some things we don’t in our lifetime. Because they believed they took risks, and the Kingdom of God was advanced by those steps. We rejoice about our names being written in the Lamb's Book of Life. But also rejoice about your name being among the heroes of faith. Hebrews 11 is the normal Christian life. We will see fruit if we take steps of faith.

 

REHAB has an incredible story. Heb 11:31 ( Josh6) In the story of Jericho is Rehab a prostitute. The two spies go to Rehab’s house and she says to them  “ I know God is with you and that God has given you this land. The king comes to know about these spies and Rehab takes steps of faith at great cost and hides the spies.

Israel crosses the Jordan in flood. They walk around the walls for 7 days and the walls come down and Rehab’s family is saved.

What can we learn from this as leaders? Here was an unbeliever who believed! Those who crossed the Red Sea did not believe it!! And here is Rehab who heard about the parting of the Red Sea 40 years ago and believe. What faith!!

1.    Her faith includes a consciousness of God. I know that the Lord has given you the land. We heard about the Red Sea and how you defeated two Kings. She recounts the details. Your God is the God of heaven and of what is happening on Earth. People may persecute us but I see a God who uses people and circumstances. God is calling us to change the nation. Can we be aware and conscious of God?

It’s important therefore to practice the presence of God we can talk to God. The New Era must be characterized by intimacy with God – there must be a coming to God and having God encounters. It means prayer takes on a whole new meaning in your church. We need to bring intercession to the front.

2.    Consciousness that God related to the world in a particular way. His commands are good for mankind and it requires obedience. Her faith had a consciousness that it required something. Disobedience has to be dealt with. Rehab was conscious that Jericho was going to be judged. As leaders and churches, we must walk in obedience to God. So many churches do not talk about sin anymore. In our daily prayer, we pray “forgive our sins”.

3.    She was conscious of the Grace of God. She was not killed along with the disobedient. She knew that there is a God who forgives her- mercy triumphs over judgement. She knew that repentance would lead her to be saved. As Christians when we sin, we must be strong in knowing the grace of God. So many live in the trap of shame. We do not have to undo it. God will give us a clean slate. Grace gives us a new beginning.

4.    She was conscious that she believed but she also had to take steps of faith. Heb 11:1 “…must believe that he exists and reward those who earnestly seek Him”

God is a giver of rewards. God has a plan, and we need to partner with it. Believing in Jesus is engaging with His plan, and I must believe. Her faith believed in the impossible and she finally became a part of Israel, and she is in Jesus’ lineage! WOW!!

Put faith goals on your church/House groups Pray for the sick. How does mission fit into your house groups?

Come and See.

 

This message was preached by Steve O via zoom, at the Regions Beyond  Advance conference in August 2022.

Come and see! 

These are days when you want to respond to what God is saying in His Word. In the New Era, those who will listen to God and will adjust to fit into His purposes will see the great blessing, real fruitfulness and worldwide impact. My concern is that too few are radical enough to change in obedience to God.

 

John 1:43 - 51

 Let’s understand what type of churches God wants us to build in this new era. Churches that put Jesus fully on display. When you read the early passages of the gospels, you can see that it was a new era for mankind. With the coming of Jesus, even time was divided into B.C and A.D.

The gospel of mark starts with quoting Malachi 3 pointing to what Scripture foretold about the birth of a New Era. It is in the context of this new era that Philip encounters Jesus face to face. Jesus looks him in the eyes and says follow me! Philip is overwhelmed by this experience. When he finds his friend Nathaniel, he is so excited! Nathaniel responds the way the world responds to us sometimes cynical, questioning – what good can come out of Nazareth?

 But Philip is not put off. Instead, he says come and see! This excitement and uniqueness of what Philip was sharing, it worked because Nathaniel goes to Jesus and as he encounters Jesus for himself, Jesus reveals his inner thoughts. He is totally undone before Jesus and his inner seeking is fully satisfied as Jesus unlocks him.

 

The Pandemic changed all our lives. The pandemic was a time that revealed some deep weaknesses in the way we did things. So many churches are depleted after the Pandemic. The Pandemic removed a lot of things we relied on i.e programmes, lack of relying on the Holy Spirit. It became a time of reset for all. God always renews his church and culture through a remnant with red hot faith. It is our responsibility to discover that faith and get back to what really matters in this new era. When Philip called Nathaniel and others, they were immediately caught up in the new era in Jesus.

 I want our churches to be like Philip. We have discovered something so beautiful and meaningful that no what who we meet, we can tell them “come and see- we have found the source of life”!

What type of church do we need in a new era that we can tell people to come and see:

 

4 DISTINCTIVES TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR LOCAL CHURCH

 

1. Church in the New Era is a Family - an activated body: when unbelievers walk through our doors, the first thing I want them to experience is family. It’s not a community or congregation, it is the family that I want. We all have families. If you came to my family, you’ll find that everyone plays their part. As a family, we carry the household. For too long church has been pastor and audience where the pastor does everything. If you are a leader/pastor, your church is not your audience – they need to be your family. So we need to know what everyone’s gifts and passions are. We need to interchange and share the tasks that make the church a family. In our families we have fun. Fathers should serve the children and the children should honour the elders. It needs to be a family full of grace where we are free to make mistakes and be lovingly restored and where we forgive each other all the time. It needs to be a household full of hugs and holy kisses – security and celebration.

 

2. A family of the word and spirit: what makes us different from a club is our supernatural relation with a living God. When people come in they need to see that we are a people who know the living God.

There was a move to build seeker-friendly churches. The Father, Son and holy spirit are the most seeker-friendly union you can find. We need to put that on display. How?

Speak confidently and openly about our relationship with God. We can speak about him like he is in the room because he is! Sometimes we speak of God as though he is not around.

We need to put the supernatural on display in our worship and sing in tongues. 1 Corinthians 14:22 says tongues are for the unbelievers. Praying for healing, praying for needs, it all puts God on display. Being still and having time to listen to the spirit. A community that breathes hope: because we are a community of the word.  Pray for the sick and for needs – it puts God on display and also allows the Spirit to do His seeker-friendly thing.

3. A kingdom people - church on Sunday to Saturday. We put so much focus on Sunday mornings but Sunday morning is not enough. We must take the church onto the streets. We must bring transformation to our communities. The world has many questions. You and I have the answers. For this, we need to grow to see every person empowered to be God’s healing community in their family, school, workplace, sports club etc. Don’t start projects, release gifts.
4. A family full of faith: Hebrews11:6 God wants us to live by faith. If we want to see the world overwhelmed that they know Jesus is alive, then we need active faith that works in our midst. 3 practical steps:
1. Prayer - when we pray we are saying, Jesus is alive, he listens to us and he answers us. They need to see us praying big bold prayers. Prayers that bring change to our community
2. Generosity- that’s how we share what we are and have with others. Let’s show the world where our provision comes from.
3. Faith goals- share your vision, and have goals by faith. Ask God what you can do. Faith puts Jesus on display.

As we see the New Era coming, we want to be a family. By your love, they will know that you are my disciples.

If we will adjust, there is a great grace that follows. Mark's gospel gets straight into the work of Jesus. No genealogies or anything. So, we get a view of this massive change that has taken place. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth onto an old garment. The old and the new can’t fit together for the purposes of God.

 If we are to fulfil God's call there are some aspects of the old that we need to let go of. Are you being radical in your church community? What are you doing differently now that you weren’t doing pre- pandemic? Are you trying to sew on a new cloth into the old era? 

The Gift of Encouragement.

 

This message was preached by Benny T, at the Regions Beyond  Advance conference in August 2022.

2020 was considered the perfect normal vision in optometry for the longest time. I want to encourage you to have a 2020 vision to advance forward.

 

Acts 20

 Till acts 19, 8 cities where Jews have stirred troubled and persecuted Paul. In 2 cities, the gentiles stirred trouble for him. He is the subject of ridicule, and beatings, and even splits with his friend Barnabas. Every statistic has a story.

AD33-36 – Paul’s conversion

AD 55-57 is when Acts 19 is happening. We are looking at 15-20 years of Paul’s life in Acts 20.

Twice Paul called the believers and encouraged them, and he went to all the towns and encouraged them. If there is one ministry the body of Christ should have it is encouragement.

 

We live encouraging others regardless of what we are going to. It is the oxygen that helps us.  Encouragement is the currency of the church. Jesus encouraged his disciples even in the last few days before the cross by telling them that He will give them peace.

 Paul encouraged people in the following

●     Public profession of faith

●     He encouraged the Corinthian church for functioning in all 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit.  

●     He encouraged them for their partnership in the gospel, steadfastness

●      

If you want quality people, use the currency of encouragement. This is a beautiful gift.

We have made an idol of the prophetic ministry.The prophetic is one another ministry, not a one to others ministry. Paul is a good case study of how-to encourage. With Timothy, he reminded him of his lineage, his learning etc. Find out the family history of people and you will find something to encourage and God an redeem something in their history for the generations to come.

Encouragement promotes awareness – it lets people know what you are thinking.

Encouragement builds confidence. And confidence is key factor for every servant of God!

Encouragement improves your attitude – you never feel worse after an encouragement.

 

 

Some of us say I don’t know how to encourage. We’re going to learn.

Extraordinary accidents are opportunities for extraordinary miracles.

 

 

 

War, Power and Authority

 

This message was preached by Mike, at the Regions Beyond  Advance conference in August 2022.

 War, power and authority 

 

Add another goal - send people to another nation to bless the nations.

 

Yesterday I spoke about being leaders who are humble and servant-hearted. But today I want to speak about us being leaders who are full of power! The church is called to be a people of power.

 John Wimber’s experience of the church. Re-reading John Wimber’s “Power  Evangelism” I realize that there is so much to re-learn. We can talk about battle, teach about it but never do it Is that our churches now? We don’t just want to talk about the things of God. We want to be the army that advances the gospel. We need to walk in step with the spirit. We can still have plans, but the plans also must be in step with the spirit. As leaders, we need to be people who know God’s power and authority.

.  Ephesians 3:10-21   These are amazing verses.  “This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have the strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Ephesians 3:11-21 ESV

 What are these Glorious Riches Paul talks about? It is unimaginable what these glorious riches are. But he prays for us that we may be filled with these riches by power. Nothing is beyond his reach. And he gives us power by his Holy Spirit. All power belongs to God. Psalm 62:11 – God rules and runs everything. Nothing is beyond His reach. We should be a people that proclaim His kingdom come. The Greek word for Kingdom is Baselia – kingship or royal rule.

 Jesus’ entire ministry was about declaring the kingdom has come. He preached that the kingdom has come and He preached repentance. He demonstrated kingdom rule. Today we need to do this by the Holy Spirits' power.

 

We fight on 3 fronts

 Internally against the flesh- temptation and sin

1. Against the world - we need to overcome the world's patterns of thinking.
2. Against Satan and his demons - satan comes to kill steal and destroy. John 10:10 We must not mistake his intentions.

 

Some of these battles can be subtle and undercover. But more and more we need to see the demonstration of God's power. We need a visible and practical demonstration that Jesus is more powerful than the worshipped idols.

 

There is an important part of stepping out in God's power is understanding authority. If our lives are truly submitted to God, then our lives should only make sense because of God- otherwise, we are no different from the world. Our lives must be fully submitted to God. Then we are submitted to those around us. There is a right to submission to each other that is not controlling or manipulating, but releases people. We’re accountable to one another.

Matt5:8-9 The Centurion understood power and authority. We do not want to be lone leaders but be under authority. If our lives are truly submitted to god then our lives are defined by God.

And we are submitted to those in our church. There is a right to submission to one another that is not controlling or manipulating- in this we will know God’s power. We need to be accountable to each other.

 

 The power we have Christ’s church:

1. Power to love. Eph3. The agape love is what we need to have for each other. The love of God brings breakthroughs. So we do works among the poor to show God’s love and allow His power to flow through us.
2. The power to hope: Romans 15:13 - may the God of hope fill you with all joy … church should be overflowing with hope and joy because of the Holy Spirit. It is supernatural and attractive.
3. The power to sacrifice: Paul tells us that God's power is made perfect in weakness. The holy spirit takes that and turns it into an incredible strength. When we are weak then we are strong.
4. The power to endure great difficulties
5. The power to perform miracles signs and wonders.
6. The power to grow in spiritual gifts. Allow the gifts to flow in your church – not just on Sundays but whenever you meet. Tongues are often overlooked.
7. The power to make known God's manifold wisdom
8. The power for unity. The Holy Spirit binds us together. The Holy Spirit does not just help us to agree with each other but binds us together. The unity that the Holy Spirit brings is so much bigger.
9. The power and authority to preach the gospel. Matthew 28:18-20. 1 Thessalonians - gospel coming not just with words but with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.
10. The power and authority to dispel the demonic. The demonic is no match for God's power.
11. Power in prayer to change situations: as we pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, things change. 

WAR AND HUMILITY

 

This message was preached by Mike, at the Regions Beyond  Advance conference in August 2022.

 

WAR AND HUMILITY 

 Consider the times we are in. We’ve been hearing about the new era and the Macedonian call. We have also experienced hostility against Christians. The persecution in India has made you wake up. We can’t have a peacetime mentality. The Pandemic has woken up the sleeping church. During the pandemic, we thought we were living in wartime. Each one of you is a chosen soldier dropped behind enemy lines, placed in this evil world to shine the light of Jesus. Jesus expects his church to be at war. In Matt 16 and 18 Jesus mentions the church.

 

Jesus will build his church, but the context of that statement is war. Matt 16&18. There is a battle going on. “On this rock, I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail…” The context of this statement is war.

Matt 18 it says whatever you bind on the earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you lose on the earth will be loosed in heaven. Matt18 – the context is in the face of conflict in the church. We go to our brother and sort it out. The context is still war but from within.

In Revelation we see great battles – it is an example of a battle we are in. Every moment is a struggle, but the gospel spread.

We are in a battle. So we have to live at war. But Jesus is the prince of peace. So shouldn’t we live in peace? Jesus gives us peace so that we can have peace in war. Peace to know that HE is with us in what we are going through.

 

Gideon - Israel is devastated by the Midianites. Judges 6:33-35. It is time for us to sound the trumpet and wake up the church for war. We can’t just have an army of one. We need every member to take their part. …

Prepandemic we built in a way which was good for peace times. But now we have to build for war. We need every member of the army to step up to play their part.

Revelation 3: 2- wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished. We will have to change our thinking and adapt to change.

  

HOW DO WE LIVE AS LEADERS?

As leaders we need to learn how to fight this war - the key is humility. Leadership must look different in this new era. The church has been full of leaders that lorded it over the people and fell short in their own character and lost their way.   We are called to be servant leaders but then we take on the world’s values and try to lead like CEOs. This is not the way to lead. We are called to lead humbly. The most powerful leaders are the most humble leaders like Jesus. In war you need strong Generals.

Eph 4: 1 “ I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you’ve received. He is completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Q. Have you been called?

   

1. Character always trumps gifting. God wants us to be more like Jesus. God gives us gifts, but he wants to grow us into Jesus. Gideon had an incredible victory but he had a bad ending. He seemed humble but he was not. Saul and David - Saul was gifted. He was physically and spiritually gifted. HE looked like people wanted to follow. He was also gifted supernaturally and had the favour of God upon him. Disobedience, pride and arrogance caused his downfall. Samuel talks to him for the last time and Saul acknowledged his sin but wanted to save face in front of the people. God tells Samuels to anoint another King. Then God tells Samuel, that people look at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. We cannot just look outward.

David was also naturally gifted and supernaturally gifted.HE fought many battles. But he also had character flaws. When he is confronted by Nathan, his reaction; is so different from Sauls's reaction. He fasts and mourns for his sin. He repented before God.

It’s not a problem that we mess up and make mistakes because we will. But how do we respond to God after we make a mistake? Are we like Saul who wants to save face or are you like David who repents before the people?

Do we allow God to discipline and teach us or do we stay arrogant and self-centred but we need to be open before our people? Allow God to vindicate you. Submit to God, do we come before him and let him teach us? In the New Testament, even those who were with Jesus struggled with pride. Matthew 20: 20- 28. The only time Jesus says he’s your lord is when he was washing their feet. It is an incredible picture of this humility as a leader.

 

How can we grow in humility?

 

1. Be clear about our identity in Christ. We have to be secure about who we are, that we are chosen sons and daughters of God.  Our security cannot be in the approval of people. When our security is in people we will live in pride. We need to keep our eyes fixed on Him.
2. Humility doesn’t mean that we are quiet and we don’t lead. Not stepping into what God has given you can be pride. Stepping out in faith is humility. We have to be careful that we don’t fall into false humility. It is self-preservation that holds us back.

Use difficulty- our pride often comes up when we are in difficult situations. When things ar hard, we find our pride can easily rise to the surface. We need to use difficulty to grow. Instead of saying get me out of here, ask what are you teaching me in this situation?

Develop an attitude of thankfulness. When we are thankful our pride is reduced. We need to express our thankfulness to God and to one another.

Function in the gifting you have regardless of the role you’re in. You can lead all the time in every situation. That will help us to not rely on a position. Leading is not taking over. So we will not be puffed up when you do get a position.

3. Accept praise graciously and authentically.
4. Stay open and transparent with God. Ask him to search our hearts. If we stay in intimacy with God we will remain humble. Let intimacy be the measure of your success.
5. Pray and ask for the fruit of the spirit. All the fruit has to do with our character. We can ask God to give us that fruit.      

Moving Forward in the New Era - Advance 2022

This message was preached by Franco L, at the Regions Beyond  Advance conference in August 2022. To view the Video please click here

 We have all walked through difficult times with the Pandemic and the unspoken issue of persecution.

In the midst of this, we need to remind ourselves that is it about Advance and it is about getting rid of any blocks in order to go forward. God wants to see advance amongst us. It’s about the mission.

 

Acts 16:6-10

Paul wanted to move forward but God had other plans. Mission was a part of Paul’s vision and mission and gospel advance is a part of the Father’s heart.

What can we learn from Acts 16?

 

How do we move forward?

1. We are in a Macedonian moment for us as regions beyond churches- something totally new, a new era, new boats to sail into the open sea, discover develop and deploy, etc. we can overlook the prophetic and live in the familiar. Paul and all went forward leaving the familiar behind because they had a compelling vision. Abraham saw the city of God. Because of that, he could leave behind the familiar. We need to have a compelling vision

Metaphorically we are standing in front of an ocean, and we need to hear what God is swaying. Paul was looking across Europe and saw this vision of a man asking for help.

We can overlook the prophetic and live in familiar surroundings. Paul could leave the things behind and move in great acts of faith. Our name is our vision- Regions Beyond. If we don’t have a compelling vision of the future we will hold on to the familiarity of the past. Abraham saw the city of God whose architect and builder was God therefore he could leave the land of his forefathers.

2. Not have a settling spirit but a missional one:. Isaiah 43:18- forget the former things…. See I’m doing a new thing. I’m making a way in the desert and ways in the wasteland.

Unless we see we will not be able to leave the familiar and move forward. settling is default and it seems safer. But the advance is a choice. If Paul stuck to his original plan he would’ve never moved on to Macedonia. Paul adapted to what God was showing them. Some things will have to die to move forward. Don’t settle for what you can manage but be missional. God is going to scatter some of us but that is going to advance the gospel. Without the Holy Spirit, we will tend to stick with the familiar. Today we read Pauls's letters. We have come through 2 of the hardest years in history. We adjusted and did everything online – zoom, whatapp. It shows how fast we can adapt and God can change how we do things.

Some things have to die in order to lay hold of the new. Sometimes we also need to leave behind some success. Gospel advance is greater than everything. 

3. Let persecution and suffering not deter us from advancing the gospel- 2 Cor 11: 23- 33. Paul knew he would be put to death in Rome, yet he longed to go there so he could share the gospel there. God will want to scatter some of us. Paul did not let persecution or hardship stop him.
   
   
4. Paul discovered his original calling: his call was to go to the Gentiles. Because of the Macedonian call, Paul discovered his original call. In Rome, he finally says that he had proclaimed the gospel in Asia and now wants to go to Spain. As the Holy Spirit picks up pace, we need to find new ways of strengthening. Paul didn’t stop strengthening the churches, he found new ways- wrote letters, sent others to the churches, etc. We have to let go of the platform-focused ministry. We need to activate every believer. The Pandemic taught us many lessons. We need to train and deploy many new leaders.
   
   
5.  The Holy Spirit wants us to increase the pace of church planting: let go of the platform-focused ministry. It also means, the leaders have to start thinking of finding new leaders. Find your Timothy’s. It’s non-negotiable.

 

Reaching the unreached people groups is an apostolic priority for us. 

The Kingdom of God in the New Era

 This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on August 21st 2022  by Navaz D. For the audio & video please click here.  To listen to the worship please click here.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN THE NEW ERA.

INTRODUCTION – 

The world has seen many watershed events in history right from the time of creation. To trace a few: creation, the Fall, the flood, the tower of Babel,( the bronze and iron age) The Egyptian empire, the Red sea crossing, The covenants given to Moses and the birth of the nation Israel, The Kings, the rise of the Babylonian empire, the fall of Jerusalem and the period of captivity and exile, the return from exile, the rise of the Greek and Roman Empires, and the Old Testament Era ending in 400 years of silence.

THE NEW ERA- THE KINGDOM HERE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

Then a New Era burst upon the scene not with fanfare but in humble obscurity in a cowshed, witnessed by animals and lowly shepherds. The King of the universe stepped down from the heights of heaven into darkness and sinful humanity. A New Era was indeed birthed that night and heaven would not keep silent but rushed towards earth to sing “Glory in the highest and peace on earth”.

This was important. The world was reeling under oppressive rules from Kingdoms and religious systems. God’s salvation plan was coming to a culmination and is now in play. The Messiah is born. He was going to usher in a kingdom unlike any other – where the humble will be exalted, the servant of all will be the greatest of all, the one who denies his life will gain it, and the just shall live by faith and not rituals.

Jesus started his ministry by saying the Kingdom of God has come. He taught His disciples to pray “Your kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven”. So, it was all about ushering in a New Era unlike any other people had encountered. He explains what His kingdom looks like and how its subjects ought to behave in the Sermon on the Mount. It was counter to anything they had heard before. Where the Jews wanted a physical revolution, Jesus said offer your other cheek, walk the extra mile, give your cloak to anyone who asks, you be the first to forgive and so much more. Jesus was creating a counter culture at the core of which was heart transformation. He created a body of disciples who were apostolic that would bring about cultural transformation – from inside -out.

 An apostle is a person who shapes and facilitates cultural transformation. An apostolic people are those who live with that knowledge and mandate to affect and influence change. Not everyone is apostolic in the way they function – but everyone can learn. Are you?

Apostolic people will be the salt in the community bringing flavour and light that would dispel darkness. Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God 127 times and spoke about the church only twice. The Kingdom is larger than the church, however, without the church, there is no kingdom advance.

What has happened over the centuries is the church has forgotten the reason for her existence – she has forgotten her apostolic mandate. It has become that fancy lighthouse club for the exclusive. Instead of going into stormy waters and rescuing people from capsized ships and from drowning, it has become a club for the exclusive where we care for each other, eat together, plan events for the young, the teens, the mothers, the old, men's breakfast club etc.

God forbid that Word of Grace would become a happy-clappy club. We are here for the lost, the broken, the disillusioned, the people trapped in addictions, and alternate lifestyles. We need to ready ourselves for these are they are going to come in large numbers. Will we be salt that will heal, will we be light that will dispel spiritual darkness and confusion?

Ephesians 2 tells us that we have been chosen for a great purpose -to do good works.

When we bring the Kingdom of God to earth – we can experience in measure heaven on earth here and now. God’s desire has always been that His people would shine and be His glory and image bearers. Today that is you and I.

My text for today if you like is Isaiah 61 & Matt 28:18-20

Is 61 Is a Kingdom apostolic mandate – to preach the good news, bind up the broken hearted, set the captive free and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,^[a]
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
³     and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendour.

⁴ They will rebuild the ancient ruins
    and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
    that have been devastated for generations.

 

Is 61 Is a Kingdom apostolic mandate – to preach the good news, bind up the broken hearted, set the captive free and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.

In Isaiah 60 we are told to arise and shine. V18 God’s glory would come upon us (this happens when we receive salvation) and we will be a light to the Gentiles. The nations will come to your light, the kings to the brightness of your dawn.

V4. Talks about the ones that were once broken come alongside you to rebuild ancient ruins – so they in turn become world changers. This is who we are and have been saved for. It is not about your blessing, but about being a blessing. It is not about your comfort but bringing comfort to the discomforted. It is not about your brokenness, but about being the healing to the nations. It is not about looking at the darkness and getting discouraged – it is about rising and being that city set on a hill and being the hope of the nations.

 Matt 28 is also a Kingdom apostolic mandate to be world changers and cultural transformers. We are also told that one generation will commend our deeds to the next.

One generation commends your works to another;
    they tell of your mighty acts.
⁵ They speak of the glorious splendour of your majesty—
    and I will meditate on your wonderful works.^[b]
6 They tell of the power of your awesome works ( Ps 145:4-6)

It means we are a multi-generational movement – embracing the young and old. We need to have a generational mindset of leaving a legacy. Because our forefathers invested in cultural change by building schools, hospitals, and works amongst the less fortunate they brought about cultural transformation.

This is for everyone. We are part of a family of churches called Regions Beyond. A couple of years back we received a prophetic word about all of us stepping into a New Era- New Era means there is no blueprint to follow. We will have to learn to walk by the Spirit. Therefore, in this era our intimacy with God, where we hear His voice is critical. There is no grid to follow or copy-paste. There has been a lot of copy paste in the past. It is not wrong to learn from each other – everything we do must be submitted to the Holy Spirit and needs to be in line with principles laid down in scripture. There is no ‘one size fits all’.

Matt 28:18-20 – we are commanded to make disciples of all nations and teach them to obey Jesus' commands. This is an apostolic mandate because the obedience of the disciples will bring about cultural transformation. This means each one of us has a responsibility: to be discipled and disciple new believers. When revival comes all of us should have been used to being activated. There are no observers and consumers in the kingdom of God.

In line with what I have shared, I am going to share what Steve Oliver shared about 4 threats and 3 opportunities in the New Era. There are some things we have that apply to us as a church and some things that you as individuals can take hold of as well.

Before I share them – I want to alert us to get ready for a gear change, an increase in pace and momentum. Word of Grace got a word at the conference to get ready for big growth. We will only be able to contain it if we have good strong nets: that is everyone activated to hold the catch in. Are you ready?

KEYNOTE BY STEVE OLIVER

We all want the next new thing/ new word, and it appeals to a consumer mentality. We must be obedient to what God has already said and called us to. He spoke to us about being in a New Era and building bigger boats to reach new horizons.

As Steve started to travel again, he began to feel that we as churches have some lessons to learn from the pandemic and he divided them into

4 Threats that we need to be careful about and 3 opportunities not to be missed.

 

4 THREATS 

1. Not taking the prophetic seriously and acting upon what God has said. We must weigh the words and settle them in our hearts.

2. Not adjusting to the lessons, we have learnt from the Pandemic years which are:

i) It’s a time to be intentional about the discipleship of all believers and not just looking for converts.

ii) The Pandemic has undone the platform-focused ministry.

iii) We must activate every member of the church and see gifts emerging.

iv) We must see more Kingdom expression outside the church building.

v) Gospel must go to the unreached.

 

3. Another threat is too much focus on the present and not the future. Steve was concerned about how many churches do not have a succession plan and do not understand the transition.

4. Limited penetration of a lack of flow of the broader vision into each church. What happens at conferences like this one, must percolate down to the rest of the leadership and church so they catch the heart of what God is saying to us as a family.

 

 

3 OPPORTUNITIES NOT TO BE MISSED

1. Acts 4:33 There is great grace in the new Era for acts of faith. We need to run at a new pace and take risks. Those who adopt this position will see great grace.

2. Intentionality and focus will be rewarded. There is an open heaven over this. It is time to build well and when we do, God will come through for us.

3. God will entrust key people to us if we are faithful.  They will be partners for gospel advance.

CONCLUSION

Therefore what? What does this mean for you? What does this mean for the church? The leadership team sat with these words, and we spent a few hours deconstructing them and seeing how we need to move forward, and what changes we need to make to embrace this prophetic word and move in the direction God wants for us.

 

DISCUSSION 

• ·       How can I embrace a kingdom mindset in everything I do?
• ·       Is my light being seen in my place of work: Am I helping maintain the moral standard and a good work ethic around me by being an example first?
• ·       What can I do in my neighbourhood/ building to be salt and light?
• ·    How can I make my gifts and service available to the church in a way that will help us get ready for growth? Talk about this with your Gym leaders and we will look at how to develop and deploy you.
• ·       Am I being discipled by anyone? Am I willing to be? ( get in touch with us and we will partner you with someone).

 

  Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is a part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.